Hokkaido's Premier Ski Destination Brochur

Welcome to Furano

Furano is famous throughout Japan for its lavender fields, its use as the location for the television drama “Kita no Kuni kara” or “The Northern Country” and the Furano Ski Resort.

On arrival in Furano, Japanese and foreign tourists alike often need reminding that they are still in Japan and not in the middle of Europe, as the city is situated in a picturesque valley between the rugged Tokachi Mountain Range and the peaks of Mt Ashibetsu, Mt Yubari and Mt Furanonishi.

Located in the geographical centre of Hokkaido, Furano is also known as “Heso no Machi” or “Bellybutton Town” and there is a festival every year on the 28th and 29th of July where the locals show off their bellybuttons and celebrate this fact!

While tens of thousands of tourists flock to Furano every year, they are often stuck driving behind a farmer on his tractor, as Furano is an agricultural town. Due to its climate, the warm summer days and cool nights makes Furano’s delicious produce all the more sweeter, making Furano a food lover’s heaven!  

Furano is famous for its onions, carrots, potatoes, asparagus, corn and rice, as well as its grapes, melons, watermelons and strawberries.

The municipally run winery “Chateau Furano” produces an array of wines, as well as rich grape juices, whilst the “Cheese Factory” uses local “Furano Milk” to produce a variety of natural cheeses.

The Furano and Biei region boast four distinct seasons; a rich green Spring with wild Cherry Blossoms blooming on a backdrop of snow capped mountain peaks, warm and pleasant summer days offering relaxing walks amongst the fields of lavender and flowers, dragonflies skipping across the patchwork fields of wondrous orange and yellow hues in autumn, and a magically white winter with snow so light and dry, it looks like someone covered the town in a blanket of diamonds.

Furano Ski Resort will hold its 50th anniversary '12-'13 season
Get free Kids Free Ski Lift Pass, show passport at ticket centre.

Opening: Nov. 17 2012 - May 6 2013
Night skiing : 5 pm - 8 pm from middle of Dec. 2012 - Mar. 2013
*Depends on snow condition

These popular day tours anytime. The day trips allow you to experience the off-piste heavens of Tomamu ski resort and Kamui Ski Links, and add plenty of variety to yoru ski holiday.

Period: by March 24 2013
*Regular Taxi - Round Trip Charter: 23,000 Yen (up to 4 passengers)
*Jumbo Taxi - Round Trip Charter: 35,000 Yen (up to 9 passengers)
Depart Furano 8am Arrive the ski resort 9am - 9:30am
Depart the ski resort 4pm Arrive Furano around 5:30pm

Furano Resort Shuttle Bus >>> '12-'13 season Timetable
(From Furano town via Kitanomine hotel area to New Furano Prince Hotel)

The Resort Shuttle provides hassle free transportation between the ski district and Furano town. Please get information at the Furano Tourism Association.

Dates: Dec. 17th  2012 - March 10th 2013.
One ride: 300 yen / Retern ticket: 500 Yen
* Please pay when you get on the bus.

Furano Snow Night Fantasy 'Furano Kan Kan Mura'
Dates: Dec. 22nd in 2012 to Mar. 10th in 2013 @ New Furano Prince Hotel

This is a fantasy village of snow and ice in front of the New Furano Prince Hotel. Wander through the enchanted forest where there are snow and ice sculptures. Stop in at the Ice Bar fro a derink, or experience a snow tubing slide of nearly 200m! Night flights in a hot air balloon are also available here.

Entrance fare: 300 Yen
*Dates to change it depends on snow condition.

Let's celebrate 12-13 snow season just kick off together !

Date: Dec. 28 2012
Cost: 1,000 Yen with 3 glass of draft beer
*Tickets can be get at the Furano Tourism Association.

Furano Live cultural performances 2012/13 >>> Thank you for joing us!
On the 2nd floor of the Kitanomine Gondra Building
>>> Thank you for all your support. See you in next season!

These shows are performed by local volunteers and are the highlight of many visitors' ski trip. Japanese flower arrangement, calligraphy, Japanese harp instruments, singing and dancing are just some of the things you will be able to experience with Furano locals.

Date : Jan. 20, Feb. 10, 17, 24, Mar. 3 2013

Japanese tea ceremony by high school students
at the Kitanomine community centre
>>> Thank you for all your support. See you in next season!

This Japanese Tea Ceremony is presented by the Furano Ryokuho High School Japanese Tea Ceremony Club and the Furano High School Japanese Tea Ceremony Club . It is held in Kitanomine and is close to most accommodation.

Date: Dec. 27 2012, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 2013
Time: 5 pm - 6 pm
Cost: 500 Yen
*Bookings can be made at the Furano Tourism Association.
Note: Maximum of 15 people per tea ceremony

Furano Group Theatre
At Furano Theatre Factory
>>> Thank you for all your support. See you in next season!

'12-'13 Winter Season
Title: "Ashita Kanashibetsu-de "
Open: From Jan 12 to 26 in 2013
Ticket: 3,500 Yen *Please get ticket at Furano Tourism Association.